Portrait lense for the D40

javierplumey

I'm looking into getting a good lense for portrait photography. I have a D40 and while I don't mind manual focusing, I'm looking for a prime lense or something that gives me f/1.4 or f/1.8 for that really great bokeh.

I heard that Nikon is releasing (soon) a lense with AF-S 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4, or both. Anyone have any updates on that? Or can recommend a good portrait lense for the D40?

ziggy53

javierplumey wrote:

... I'm looking for a prime lense or something that gives me f/1.4 or f/1.8 for that really great bokeh.

I heard that Nikon is releasing (soon) a lense with AF-S 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4, or both. Anyone have any updates on that? Or can recommend a good portrait lense for the D40?

I believe both the Nikkor 50mm, f1.4D and the f1.8D are very competent portrait lenses. Additionally the Nikkor 85mm, f/1.8D is a great head-shot portrait lens.

On the Nikon D40 I would also recommend the use of a focusing aid like a viewfinder magnifier. All of these lenses have such a shallow DOF wide open that manual focus is going to be difficult.

(ziggy edit, I wish could type.)

SloYerRoll

ziggy53 wrote:

On the Nikon 40D

Trying to brainwash Nikon shooters to your Canon ways.. Huh Ziggy? (j/k)

ziggy53

SloYerRoll wrote:

Trying to brainwash Nikon shooters to your Canon ways.. Huh Ziggy? (j/k)

Sorry folks. That's what happens when old people type.

Thanks for the heads up SloYerRoll.

Shane422

Sigma just released a 50MM f1.4 for the D40, but we aven't seen a price yet, although I'm guessing about $250. And Tamron also introduced at least three lenses with a Built In Motor (BIM) for the D40 and D60. They have a 17-50MM f2.8 ($479), and a 70-200MM f2.8 for $699 which I just pre-ordered. It should be out in about a month.

javierplumey

Thanks for the info everyone. I appreciate the feedback.

Mitchell

I don't own a D40, but I do own several other Nikon bodies. I just can't believe how Nikon has dropped the ball with this body requiring AF-s lenses for AF functioning.

They have no fast, AF-s primes for portraiture. Rumor of the AF-s 50mm has been around for a while with no release date in sight. You may want to consider a third party lens rather than holding your breath.

Can you tell I'm annoyed?

SloYerRoll

Mitchell wrote:

I don't own a D40, but I do own several other Nikon bodies. I just can't believe how Nikon has dropped the ball with this body requiring AF-s lenses for AF functioning.

They have no fast, AF-s primes for portraiture. Rumor of the AF-s 50mm has been around for a while with no release date in sight. You may want to consider a third party lens rather than holding your breath.

Can you tell I'm annoyed?

I hear what your saying, but I think your looking at this with blinders on.

I'm pretty sure you shoot w/ D2h/x cameras and other high end gear. So your demands for Nikon are pretty steep (as they should be).

The D40 was designed for the casual shooter that wants a jack of all trades lens (i.e. 18-200 VR) and doesn't want to mess w/ allot of details. That's why this camera has the green "Auto" setting and higher end DSLR's don't.

They are just catering to a different type of consumer. One that coan't or doesn't want to break the bank to shoot w/ a DSLR. So when it came time to rim the fat to reduce price, this saw a vaible option.

Mitchell

SloYerRoll wrote:

I hear what your saying, but I think your looking at this with blinders on.

I'm pretty sure you shoot w/ D2h/x cameras and other high end gear. So your demands for Nikon are pretty steep (as they should be).

The D40 was designed for the casual shooter that wants a jack of all trades lens (i.e. 18-200 VR) and doesn't want to mess w/ allot of details. That's why this camera has the green "Auto" setting and higher end DSLR's don't.

They are just catering to a different type of consumer. One that coan't or doesn't want to break the bank to shoot w/ a DSLR. So when it came time to rim the fat to reduce price, this saw a vaible option.

You're right, I shoot with a D2Xs. The problem is, this cost cutting move on the D40 has created an entire class of Nikon shooters who cannot utilize the extensive Nikkor collection. The OP wants a high quality portrait lens. He sounds like someone who will eventually upgrade his body. He should be able to buy Nikon glass now that he will be able to use in the future.

I've recommended Nikon equipment to dozens of people. I always steer them away from the D40. I highly doubt that the cost of this motor was so great that they couldn't include it in this entry levely camera.

kini62

javierplumey wrote:

I'm looking into getting a good lense for portrait photography. I have a D40 and while I don't mind manual focusing, I'm looking for a prime lense or something that gives me f/1.4 or f/1.8 for that really great bokeh.

I heard that Nikon is releasing (soon) a lense with AF-S 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4, or both. Anyone have any updates on that? Or can recommend a good portrait lense for the D40?

Get a 70-200/2.8 of some type. The most useful lens you'll ever own.

My $.02 and I'm sticking by it!:D

Gene

SloYerRoll

Mitchell wrote:

this cost cutting move on the D40 has created an entire class of Nikon shooters who cannot utilize the extensive Nikkor collection.....

I always steer them away from the D40. I highly doubt that the cost of this motor was so great that they couldn't include it in this entry level camera.

javierplumey

If I had known how I would have fallen in love with taking photos I would have sprung for a different model, but I can't quite afford another body at the moment.

I would really love a prime lense for the D40, even if it's not from Nikon. Can you guys think of one that's decent?

Get a 70-200/2.8 of some type. The most useful lens you'll ever own.

Any recommendations on this kind of lense?

ziggy53

javierplumey wrote:

If I had known how I would have fallen in love with taking photos I would have sprung for a different model, but I can't quite afford another body at the moment.

I would really love a prime lense for the D40, even if it's not from Nikon. Can you guys think of one that's decent? ...

ziggy53 wrote:

I believe both the Nikkor 50mm, f1.4D and the f1.8D are very competent portrait lenses. Additionally the Nikkor 85mm, f/1.8D is a great head-shot portrait lens.

javierplumey wrote:

... Any recommendations on this kind of lense?

The Nikkor AF-S VR 70-200mm, f/2.8G IF-ED is a splendid lens. Not my first choice for portraiture, but not bad either.

nightowlcat

For portraits, I've seen these recommended most for Nikons

Sigma 30mm f1.4 $429.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381616-REG/Sigma_300306_30mm_f_1_4_EX_DC.html

Nikon 35mm f2.0D $319.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/92011-USA/Nikon_1923_Wide_Angle_AF_Nikkor.html

Nikon 50mm f1.8 $109.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247091-USA/Nikon_2137_Normal_AF_Nikkor_50mm.html

Nikon 50mm f1.4 $284.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/97413-USA/Nikon_1902_Normal_AF_Nikkor_50mm.html

Nikon 85mm f1.8 $399.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/84151-USA/Nikon_1931_Telephoto_AF_Nikkor_85mm.html

Out of these, I have the 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 and love their magic, just picked up a nice 35mm 2.0 manual focus and haven't had a chance to really test it out. Should you decide to later get a different body, at least the lenses will still work with the better body.:D

BPerron

I would wait for sigma to release the price on their 50mm prime lens, hopefully it will be very soon!